Meeting language sends message

The Port of Everett’s communication administrator distributed an e-mail entitled “Collins Building Review Process Public Meeting” and I’m extremely concerned by its text stating the purpose of the June 5 meeting: “Retain the Collins Building or expand a state-of-the-art environmentally-compliant boatyard.”

How much more inflammatory or distorted could this be? June 5 is supposed to be an objective re-evaluation opportunity; this shows otherwise.

Why didn’t it say instead: “Retain the Collins Building to house a year-round public-farmers-market of locally-grown, environmentally-friendly products, a maritime museum celebrating the entire region’s history, plus a public-gathering-space that will be appreciated by so many residents.”

A market like Seattle’s Pike Place would be fantastic for Everett, and a maritime museum is long overdue. Everett has begun creating a downtown historic area, and the National Maritime Heritage Area along Washington’s coast (and right up Everett’s waterfront!) will probably soon be created. These are amazing tourism opportunities; the Collins Building can play an important part.

Why didn’t the e-mail propose (as we have repeatedly said) that the waterfront include both the Collins Building and a state-of-the-art boatyard?! How can the port continue misrepresenting and misinforming? Is it deliberate or an oversight?? I am very disheartened to realize the degree to which the port’s June 5 “Collins Building Day” could be a sham. The citizens of Everett deserve better from their elected officials and employees. Shame on everyone involved in this charade.

There are 16 days until the June 5 public meeting. Hopefully, attitudes can be adjusted so that the “Collins Building Day” really will result in hearing, understanding and acting upon what so many Everett residents are hoping for: the adaptive re-use of this amazing building into businesses and spaces that can truly let Everett lead the area in tourism and waterfront usage.

Commissioners, please re-think this stance.

Sue Pellegrini

Director, Everett Maritime Museum